Matthew 27:59
And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμα
the body
G4983
σῶμα
the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
4 of 10
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸ
it
G846
αὐτὸ
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 10
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Historical Context
Jewish burial was rushed before Sabbath but still followed custom: washing, anointing with myrrh and aloes (John used 75 pounds—a king's burial), wrapping in linen strips, and a face cloth. The women planned to complete anointing after Sabbath (Mark 16:1). Wealthy families could afford rock-hewn tombs; the poor used caves or earth graves.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the 'clean linen' symbolize Christ's sinless nature and qualified sacrifice for sin?
- What does the care shown in burial reveal about how we should honor Christ's body, the church, today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Wrapped it in a clean linen cloth (ἐντυλίξας αὐτὸ σινδόνι καθαρᾷ)—the Greek sindon refers to expensive fine linen, and kathara emphasizes purity/cleanness. Jewish burial customs required washing the body and wrapping in linen strips with aromatic spices (John 19:40). Joseph's care contrasts with the criminal's normal disposal—no washing, no fine cloth, mass burial.
The clean linen echoes Christ's purity—he who knew no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21) received burial befitting his spotless life. This wrapping also prepared for resurrection—when the grave clothes would be left behind as evidence of supernatural departure (John 20:6-7). The meticulous care shown by Joseph and Nicodemus honored Christ as both man and Lord.